Joaquin Phoenix has backed out of his latest film project at the last minute, putting the film in danger of being abandoned altogether, according to multiple reports.
The 49-year-old Oscar winner was set to play the lead role in a gay romance film directed by Todd Haynes.
However, sources told Variety on Friday that Phoenix reportedly got “cold feet” and abruptly dropped out of the film just five days before filming began.
According to Deadline, which broke the news of the film star’s departure, the film about two gay lovers who leave California and move to Mexico contained “delicate intimate scenes”.
It is not known whether the nervousness Phoenix reportedly felt was due to the steamy scenes.
A source told Page Six exclusively that “the theme of the film played a role.”
However, the “Joker” star was heavily involved in the script alongside Haynes and Jon Raymond.
“The next film is a feature film with an original screenplay that I developed with Joaquin Phoenix based on some thoughts and ideas that he presented to me,” the 63-year-old director told IndieWire in May 2023.
“He was basically our screenwriter. Jon Raymond, Joaquin and I share the story. And we hope to start shooting early next year. It’s a gay love story set in 1930s Los Angeles.”
Phoenix’s departure is made more difficult by the fact that his role cannot be filled.
We’re told the reason the film wasn’t recast is because it was pitched to distributors with Phoenix in the lead role and that was a big reason for the sale.
Sources have told Variety that Haynes’ project is now “in jeopardy” and the crew is out of work.
However, those involved in the film reportedly still have to be paid, which could result in debts in the seven-figure range.
Representatives for Phoenix and Haynes did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
Phoenix is known for his method acting and this seems to have affected his mental health over the years.
In 2017, he spoke about checking into rehab for drinking and partying too much after his role as Johnny Cash in Walk the Line.
“There are too many things I enjoy and I don’t want to wake up with a hangover,” he previously told the New York Times.
“It’s not something I fight against – it’s just the way I live my life. Part of it is probably due to age.”
Sources close to the actor gave Page Six insight into his reclusive lifestyle in 2018.
A film producer who worked with Phoenix at the time told us, “He’s better at being a character than being himself. He really thinks he’s boring. Hiding is just a natural state for him.”
The insider added that the “Her” star was “good at playing the traumatized person” because he “was traumatized.”
The producer pointed out that Phoenix “grew up in a cult. His brother died in front of his eyes. None of this presupposes that he will develop into a normal human being.”
Nevertheless, the “Hotel Rwanda” star has experienced some personal highlights in recent months.
Phoenix and his wife Rooney Mara announced in February that they are expecting their second child.
